The Feldenkrais Method With Children 

Children with breathing problems

Many parents are helpless in the face of the severe asthma attacks that their children suffer. Most forms of treatment and help available consist of medication and first aid, primarily given in hospitals and emergency rooms. The Feldenkrais Method has the knowledge and tools that enable the children themselves, or together with their parents, to attain improved functioning and better breathing.

These instructions are not a substitute for conventional medical treatment, but are intended as additional options for treatment and assistance.

During the lessons, the breathing function improves, the frequency of attacks decrease and become less intensive, the ability to fall asleep, as well as the quality and depth of sleep, change without recognition. At the same time, there is a marked improvement in the capacity for movement. Children begin playing and running around without fearing further attacks and problems, and so their self-confidence and self-esteem rise. 

As a result of an attack, or a pattern of frequent attacks, the muscles become constantly clenched and they function inefficiently - the capacity to move and breathe is impaired.

Generally, following breathing difficulties, the muscles used in breathing are forced to work beyond their capacity, and become rigid and fixed. In asthmatic children we can see a rigid chest, shoulders that are raised and pull backwards, clenched stomach muscles and a diaphragm which functions poorly.

With the narrowing of the breathing passages, the skeletal muscles are forced to work beyond their capability to ensure that enough air enters for reasonable function.

With time, these muscles shorten and thicken, and significant muscular rigidity and tension occurs. There is a change in the natural organisation of all components of the skeleton that play a role in breathing: they function in a 'distress' format. These changes affect posture and balance;, they can also influence movement function in walking and running.

To sum up, during an asthmatic attack, the mechanical organisation of the chest and the entire skeleton changes and is harmed. 

The lesson restores maximally efficient mechanical organisation, corrects movement-related problems, and all the muscles which retain and move the skeleton now start to relax. In this situation, the muscles can once again assist in breathing function, the muscular tension and tonus of the bronchia decreases, and the air-passages expand remarkably.

Instructions for lessons in your home